Tag Archive for: corneal ulcers

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Corneal Uclers in Pets: Symptoms, Treatment & More

Eye Drops for Pets

The cornea, which is transparent in normal conditions, covers the front part of the eye and allows light to pass into the eye. The eyelids cover the cornea to protect it from trauma and help spread tears (essential to corneal health). Most corneal ulcers in pets result from trauma, such as scratches, dry eye, eyelid anomalies, or abrasions due to foreign objects in the eye.

Corneal Ulcer Symptoms

A corneal ulcer is an open wound within the cornea. Ulcers are painful for pets; most heal within a week if appropriately treated. However, if a corneal ulcer becomes infected, it can quickly turn into a deep wound. The most common symptoms of corneal ulcers to watch for in pets include the following:

  • Squinting
  • Redness
  • Ocular discharge
  • Excessive Blinking
  • Excessive tears
  • Swelling
  • The eye appears cloudy

If the ulcer results from a tear deficiency, you may see a thick discharge resembling mucous that ranges from transparent to white, green, or yellow. If you are a cat parent, a dog parent, or a veterinarian who wants to provide helpful materials to your patients of specific pets, please read the following information:

Corneal Ulcer Diagnosis

Any of the signs mentioned above should prompt pet parents to make an appointment with their veterinarian. The vet will use several diagnostic methods at the appointment to accurately diagnose the ulcer. Once the affected eye (or eyes) are examined, your vet will discuss the best possible treatment plan.

Corneal Ulcer Treatment

How a pet’s corneal ulcer is treated is determined by the type of animal in need of treatment and the type of ulcer they are being treated for. Treating corneal ulcers properly from the start is crucial to ensuring a pet’s comfort and healing without further complications or damage to its vision. Mild corneal ulcers will usually heal on their own in 3-7 days, depending on the size of the ulcer. While healing, vets may recommend a treatment plan to prevent further damage or cornea infections. 

Here are common treatments used to treat corneal ulcers in pets:

  • Antibiotic eye drops or ointments to prevent infections
  • Pain medication to keep your pet comfortable
  • An E-collar to prevent your pet from rubbing and allow the cornea to heal properly
  • Regenerative eye drops 

Regenerative eye drops, like Vetrix EyeQ Eye Drops, are a simple way to provide regenerative care for a pet’s eye. Regenerative medicine works with the body’s natural abilities to heal itself. EyeQ Eye Drops deliver natural anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory components to aid in healing corneal ulcers in pets. 

As part of the healing process, a follow-up care plan must be issued and adhered to by the patient. Pets should continue treatment with all prescribed medications until a veterinarian says the ulcer has fully healed.

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Your Guide to Corneal Ulcers: Our Collab with Dr. Shelby Reinstein

At Vetrix, our main goal is to help you provide the best possible care for your patients—which includes not only the latest technology in regenerative medicine, but also helpful resources for you and your practice. Keep reading for a breakdown of our Quick Guide to Corneal Ulcers, created with Dr. Shelby Reinstein. 

A Super Simple Guide to Corneal Ulcers

When it comes to corneal ulcers in animals, there are five important steps you need to remember: classify, cause, treat, heal, and recheck. Now, we’ll break down each step into specific actions. 

Classify

The first step, of course, is to examine your patient’s eye. You’re checking to see if the corneal ulcer is simple or complicated. “Simple” refers to a few different key characteristics:

  • Superficial;
  • No evidence of infection;
  • Heals quickly;
  • No scar formation;
  • No neovascularization or corneal melting.

In general, a  “complicated” corneal ulcer will have one or more of the above things present, including the threat of vision loss or permanent damage to the eye. 

Cause

Once you’ve classified your patient’s corneal ulcer as simple or complicated, it’s time to determine the cause. Your case will fall into one of three cause categories: mechanical, primary corneal disease, or infectious. Each of these main categories are then broken down further into specific causes. For example, some potential mechanical causes include a bite injury, an eyelid mass, and distichia. 

Treat

Once you’ve determined the cause, it’s time to create a treatment plan. For a simple corneal ulcer, common treatment options include prescribing a broad-spectrum drop or ointment, an oral anti-inflammatory, and some additional pain control. For a complicated corneal ulcer, however, your treatment plan will include a lot more. 

Heal

When it comes to healing a corneal ulcer, the products you use matter. You’ll want something that will enhance the growth of corneal epithelial cells, reduce corneal scar formation, and provide long-lasting lubrication. That’s where Vetrix EyeQ Amniotic Eye Drops come in. They contain anti-inflammatory components to aid traditional treatments. 

Recheck

Rechecking is a crucial part of any treatment plan—after all, you’re treating a living thing, not a machine. Make sure you’re carefully monitoring your patient’s progress and adjusting their plan as needed!

Looking to Better Your Veterinary Practice?

Vetrix is the leading provider of veterinary regenerative medicine. Our technologies harness the natural capabilities of your patients’ existing cells for more efficient, natural healing. If you’re interested in learning more about our product, feel free to reach out! We look forward to hearing from you and answering your questions. 

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